A solidifying experience for the future...

20 September 2013

As part of Compass community engagement program more than 426 year 9 and 10 students from The Smith Family 'Learning for Life' program came to experience future opportunities available to them at university. Students from as far away as Lithgow and Nowra were in attendance, waking up at 5am in order not to miss the 2013 Year 9 and 10 University Experience Day.

Experience University Day gives year 9 and 10 students a chance to take part in two elective sessions which they select based on their interests. They also work and learn with university academics, hear inspiring speakers and interact with current university students and staff.

The day started with an inspiring welcome from Alicia Johnson. Alicia is a 3rd year University of Sydney student in her last semester of a Bachelor of Arts degree. She has accelerated through her degree in just 3 years majoring in Sociology and in her spare time is a mentor for AIME. Alicia's key message was never be afraid to ask for help, help is the first step in taking a proactive approach to your future.

Students were then escorted to one of 24 activities spanning the Camperdown campus including demonstrations and hands-on activities in architecture, engineering, visual arts, animation, music, business studies, archaeology, molecular bioscience, law and order, sustainability, physiotherapy, nursing and rock climbing.

When asked what did you enjoy most about today's workshop? A year 9 student from Henry Kendall High School answered "The whole experience!! It really helped me solidify my decision on higher education". When asked was there anything about today's workshop you would have change she replied "Yes, I would have liked to complete more workshops!"

The Smith Family and the University of Sydney joined forces in 2004 in a long-term partnership to support and encourage students from disadvantaged backgrounds to stay engaged in school and have the opportunity to go on to tertiary education. The University of Sydney was the first university to partner with The Smith Family in this way.

In May 2013 the University and the Smith Family renewed their joint commitment to supporting students with promise, with the University pledging more than a quarter of a million dollars to provide scholarships to disadvantaged students.